Optometrist

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Investigative, Social, Enterprising
An optometrist is a healthcare professional specializing in examining and diagnosing vision problems. They are trained to diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures, as well as to diagnose related systemic conditions. Optometrists are also trained to fit contact lenses and prescribe glasses. In addition, optometrists can provide postoperative care and visual therapy. Optometrists can also advise on vision health and safety, such as proper nutrition and advice on how to protect the eyes from injury or disease.

What is an optometrist?

An optometrist is a medical professional who deals with the eyes and their physical structure, as well as general vision, visual systems and processing of visual information. Optometrists are generally qualified to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the entire visual system, as well as to prescribe medications that will help the patient achieve their treatment goals. Although they are not physicians, they are granted many of the same rights and privileges as other types of physicians.

What does an optometrist do?

Optometrists spend most of their time testing their patients' vision systems. The qualities tested include the ability to focus and coordinate the eye, measuring depth perception and accurately distinguishing between colors. When an optometrist determines that a patient has a problem with an aspect of their vision, he or she will prescribe the appropriate treatment for the condition, from corrective glasses, medication or surgery.

In addition to caring about their patients' vision systems, there are many clues to the patient's overall well-being, as well as general health and nutrition factors that optometrists may notice during the course of a standard vision test. They can often detect systemic diseases they find during these tests, providing a vital primary care service to their patients.

What is an optometrist's workplace like?

Optometrists operate in a fast-paced professional environment. Most patient visits may last no more than 15 minutes, which is typically all the time needed to run the battery of tests, so there is often a high volume of patients coming through an optometrist's doors.

Optometrists must also interact with government officials, other health professionals and the community at large through their field of practice. Optometry is considered a vital part of public health since many of the social and safety signals we all rely on require a healthy pair of eyes.

Optometrist: what do they do?
Examine the eyes, using observation, instruments and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma or color blindness. 98%
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws allow it. 95%
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids. 94%
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan. 94%
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors. 91%
Remove foreign bodies from the eye. 89%
Consult with the ophthalmologist or other healthcare professional and refer patients if additional medical treatment is determined to be necessary. 85%
Provide pre- and postoperative care to patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataracts and laser vision correction. 82%
Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or preserve vision. 80%
Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation. 59%